How to Buy Toy Pots and Pans

No child's kitchen is complete without toy pots and pans for pretend play. From colorful plastic pots and pans to realistic looking stainless cookware, available toy options abound. Some sets are so charming that children will find themselves sharing their toy pots and pans with Mom and Dad. Here are some simple suggestions for buying toy pots and pans.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the type of toy kitchen the child has, if any. Those with a wooden kitchen may prefer realistic accessories, such as a stainless steel toy pots and pans set, while those with plastic kitchens may appreciate coordinating pots and pans of the same material.

2. Consider a very realistic-looking stainless steel pots and pans set. The Deluxe Cooking Set (complete with a potholder and cooking utensils) from Alex Toys is a good choice. Another stainless set, the Junior Chef Stainless Cookware, is food-safe and available online at Baby Heirlooms.

3. Look for a cheerful plastic Little Tykes pots and pans set or a neutral-colored plastic Little Helper's Dining Room Pots and Pans Set from Step 2. Plastic toy pots and pans are wonderful for toddlers as they are virtually indestructible and will not harm furniture when banged on tables and chairs. The Fisher Price Laugh & Learn pots and pans set is for the youngest of toddlers who will enjoy the interactive features.

4. Look for a wooden toy pots and pans set for a natural toy that will withstand years of play. Mini Chef makes a wooden toy set with one pot and one pan, and there are others available form specialty toys shops, such as Bead Merrily online and manufacturers such as Melissa & Doug.

Tips & Warnings

• Test for lead paint on vintage pieces with a simple swab test kit, available at hardware stores and online.
• If the toys will be used by small children, check toy pots and pans for small pieces that could become detached.

Resources

• Wooden cooking set
• Deluxe cooking set
• Junior Chef stainless cookware